Channel 12 Report on Israeli Officials' Desire for Direct Attack on the Islamic Republic

Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, warned on Sunday that Israel would act against the Houthi rebels in Yemen with the same intensity as it has against other "terrorist arms" of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the region. The Times of Israel writes that these statements indicate a potential beginning of a broader campaign against Iran's proxy groups. This warning came after a ballistic missile fired by the Houthis struck a children's playground in Tel Aviv on Saturday. Meanwhile, Channel 12 of Israel reported on Sunday that senior defense officials in the country believe that instead of attacking Iran's proxy group in Yemen, "direct action" against the Islamic Republic should be prioritized. This report comes as Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, claimed on the same Sunday that the Islamic Republic does not have proxy forces. In a video statement released after a meeting of Israel's security cabinet, Netanyahu said, "Just as we have acted with intensity against the terrorist arms of the evil [Iranian] regime, we will act against the Houthis with power, decisiveness, and precision." According to Channel 12, the majority of the senior command of the Israeli Defense Forces believe that Israel should attack "inside Iranian territory." The issue of confronting the Islamic Republic, which could refer to efforts to deter the Houthis or attacking nuclear facilities in Iran, has reportedly been raised repeatedly in Israel's security cabinet meetings. Recently, Israel has focused on strategies to counter the increasing missile attacks from Tehran-backed Houthis. The report also claims that Israel's assessment is that the Houthis have decided to escalate missile and other attacks, and their actions are not always coordinated with or approved by the Iranian government. Voice of America cannot independently verify these claims. Channel 12, citing a report that the Times of Israel says has military confirmation for broadcast, stated that in recent meetings of Israel's political and military leadership, it was said that the Iranian side believes Israel has accepted a ceasefire in the north to free up its resources for direct confrontation with the Iranian government and impose costs on the Islamic Republic. Channel 12 adds that Israeli sources believe the Iranian government is concerned about a potential Israeli attack for reasons including that its air defense has been destroyed by Israel, allowing easier access for the Israeli Air Force, and also due to the acceptance of a ceasefire in Lebanon that has freed up military resources, along with Donald Trump's election in the U.S. The media also states that in discussions among Israeli leadership, it has been expressed that Israel must do everything possible to prevent the return of the Islamic Republic to Syria or Lebanon. However, anonymous sources have warned that Israel should currently avoid getting involved in a prolonged confrontation with Tehran, as this would not be in Israel's favor, although Israel should still enhance and advance its operational capabilities against the Islamic Republic. The Houthi missile strike on a park in southern Tel Aviv left 16 injured. Sullivan: The U.S. is alert to the "real threat" of the Islamic Republic. Netanyahu: We treat the Houthis like other "terrorist arms" of the Iranian government. Israel: The Iranian government supports and directs the terrorist activities of the Houthis. Netanyahu: The Houthis are the last arm of the Islamic Republic's axis of evil.